Bath buying guide

Baths are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from traditional roll top tubs to space-saving modern designs. Whatever you’re searching for, this expert buying guide will help you make all the right choices.

Your bath provides a very simple function—allowing you to immerse yourself in water and clean yourself. However, much like sofa in a living room or a table in a dining room, your bath is very much the centrepiece of your whole space, providing stylistic direction for the rest of your bathroom.

In this expert guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the different baths available at Victoria Plum, how to go about choosing one, as well as all the things you’ll need to consider before fitting one.

Straight baths

Straight baths are the most common option for bathrooms, but also offer plenty of variety within the range. For example, double ended baths have taps fitted along one side of the bath, leaving both ends free for you to lean back and relax.

The single ended straight bath, like the Orchard Square edge bath above, is one of the best options for most bathrooms, as they fit more compactly in the space. This style of bath also gives you the option to add a shower

For more in-depth information, see our straight bath buying guide.

Shower baths

When you don't have the room to have a shower and a bath, but can't live without both, then an L-shaped or P-shaped shower bath is the answer. The benefit of a shower bath over a regular straight bath is that it is slightly wider at the showering end, to give you more room when taking a shower.

Experience the best of both worlds with an L shaped shower bath

For more in-depth information, see our shower bath buying guide.

Freestanding baths

This style of bath includes some of the most stylish and luxurious designs, including traditional roll top baths and gorgeous slipper baths—ideal for creating a stunning centrepiece in your bathroom.

There are both traditional and contemporary freestanding baths available. Popular contemporary designs include the Harrison freestanding bath from Mode Bathrooms (pictured below).

The Harrison freestanding bath is a luxury you certainly can afford

If you’re searching for something more traditional, the Dalston back to wall freestanding bath from The Bath Co. (pictured below) features ball and claw feet for added detail. Plus, the back to wall design gives you all the elegance of a roll top bath without the need to find extra space in your bathroom.

Lie back and relax in luxurious surroundings with the Dalston back to wall freestanding bath

For more in-depth information, see our freestanding baths buying guide.

Corner baths and back to wall baths

Corner baths are ideal for awkwardly-shaped or small bathrooms. The rounded shape slots seamlessly into your space for a streamlined look, offering a surprisingly large and luxurious bathing area.

There are different designs available within our corner bath range, so you can create the feeling of a spa in your own home.

The Elsdon offset corner bath is ideal where space is tight

For more in-depth information, see our corner baths buying guide.

If you love the look of a freestanding bath but simply don’t have the space to spare, a back to wall bath is the perfect compromise. Fitting within the footprint of a standard-sized bath, back to wall baths (as the name might suggest) can be placed against a wall, yet providing a more designer look for both traditional and contemporary bathrooms alike. The Carter back to wall bath from Mode Bathrooms (pictured below) is one of our bestsellers.

Things to consider:

1. Size and position

One of the first things you need to think about is what size of bath you can accommodate, and where it will go in your bathroom. Fitting a bath into your unique layout isn't easy, so that's why we have a wide range of sizes available at Victoria Plum, designed to suit different space requirements. Many of our models can be used to create a built in bath, that fits seamlessly with your bathroom decor.

Make a scale drawing of your bathroom so you can see where a bath could fit, or if you’re just replacing a bath, measure it to see what size you will need.

Many of our designs come in large or small options, and some are deeper for a more luxurious experience. You can easily shop by size by using the options on the left side of the product results pages.

You also need to think about where the taps will go, such as if they need to be mounted on the wall or in the floor for freestanding baths or baths without tap holes.

2. Taps

The type of bath you choose will dictate the type of taps you can go for. Some baths have tap holes where either mixer taps or single taps can be fitted, whereas others may need taps mounting elsewhere.

Straight baths will generally have the option for mounting taps at one end or in the middle. Some freestanding baths can also have the taps mounted on the end or the middle, though some will need to have them fitted to a wall or coming up out of the floor.

3. Wastes, panels, and screens

Many of our baths come as part of a package deal complete with bath panels, screens, wastes or feet. When this is not the case, we clearly show which extras you will need for the bath you have chosen.

Our straight baths need bath panels to provide the final touch, with a wide choice of finishes and colours available so it can tie-in to your bathroom perfectly. Bath screens are also a clean and practical option compared to the traditional shower curtain, providing a sleek and modern look.

Our recommendations

If you want a bath as part of a suite, take a look at our selection of matching 3-piece bath suites so you can easily create a harmonised and stylish bathroom
Freestanding or roll top baths are a fantastic choice for larger bathrooms, either in modern, contemporary or traditional styles to suit your home
Select single ended straight baths or corner baths for compact bathrooms, as these will help save on space
Always use professional fitters to ensure everything is installed properly and safely.
Get started by browsing our fabulous range of baths today